UAE’s Severe Weather: Schools and Offices Go Remote Amid Storm Chaos
Credit : Khaleejtimes News
17.04.2024 : The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is grappling with intense weather conditions, prompting authorities to issue warnings and advise residents to stay indoors. Heavy rain, hail, and thunderstorms have hit several areas, leading to significant disruptions in daily life.
Due to the adverse weather, schools in the UAE have transitioned to online classes, and government employees have been instructed to work remotely from home. The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has cautioned residents in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates to prepare for unsettled weather over the next 48 hours, with heavy rainfall expected until Wednesday.
Ahmed Habib, an expert from the National Centre of Meteorology, highlighted the likelihood of hailstorms in various parts of the UAE, urging people to park their vehicles safely away from flood-prone areas.
The impact of the weather has been significant, with moderate to heavy rain, thunder, and lightning observed across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Roads have been flooded, leading to traffic disruptions, flight cancellations, and delays at Dubai International Airport.
The adverse weather conditions have also affected public services, with disruptions reported in the Dubai Tram service. Additionally, the UAE Football Association has canceled matches scheduled for Tuesday due to the storms.
Other Gulf countries like Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia are also experiencing storms and heavy rainfall. Oman, in particular, has faced deadly flooding, prompting alerts and rescue efforts.
In response to the weather forecast, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, announced remote learning for private schools and remote work for government departments in Dubai.
The Ras Al Khaimah Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Team has implemented remote learning for schools and temporarily closed parks and beaches in the city as a precautionary measure.
Residents are advised to exercise caution, especially while driving, due to the possibility of heavy rainfall, waterlogging, flooding in Wadi areas, and potential landslides near mountainous regions. The safety measures and remote work arrangements aim to ensure the well-being of residents amid the challenging weather conditions.